GED Science Practice

What term describes accidental contact between two points in an electric circuit that have a potential difference?

1. a. Water that is not hard (does not contain salts that interfere with the formation of lather with soap)

2. b. Air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog

3. c. Accidental contact between two points in an electric circuit that have a potential difference

4. d. The taste experience when salt is taken into the mouth

The correct answer is: c. Accidental contact between two points in an electric circuit that have a potential difference

The term that describes accidental contact between two points in an electric circuit that have a potential difference is commonly referred to as a short circuit. A short circuit occurs when electricity takes an unintended path, often resulting in current flowing outside of its designated circuit path, which can lead to overheating, circuit damage, or even fires. This is a fundamental concept in understanding electrical safety and circuits. The other choices do not relate to electrical terminology at all. The first choice discusses water hardness, the second refers to air pollution, and the last describes a taste experience with salt. All of these concepts are unrelated to electrical circuits and potential difference, making the choice regarding accidental contact the only relevant answer.